Lee County Public Records / Lee County Arrest Records

Lee County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lee County in 2026

LeeCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Lee County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, bond information, and inmate status records. Information presented reflects what government agencies have made available and may not represent complete criminal histories.

Records may be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Lee County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate search tool through its official website. Members of the public may search the Lee County Jail roster by name to retrieve current booking information, including charges, bond amounts, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis to reflect current detainee information.

2. Local Police Departments

The Tupelo Police Department, which serves the county seat, publishes press releases and arrest-related information through its official communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal jurisdictions within Lee County may submit public records requests directly to the relevant city police department. The Tupelo Police Department is located at 320 N. Broadway Street, Tupelo, MS 38804, and may be reached at (662) 841-6491.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Lee County are processed through the Mississippi First Circuit Court, which serves Lee County among several other counties. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name to identify court proceedings linked to a specific arrest. The circuit court clerk maintains criminal case files that reflect charges, dispositions, and sentencing information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Mississippi Department of Corrections maintains a statewide inmate search tool that allows members of the public to locate individuals currently in state custody. Users may search by name or MDOC identification number. This resource reflects individuals who have been sentenced to state correctional facilities and does not include those held at the county jail level.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Lee County Sheriff's Office
510 N. Commerce Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 841-9040
Lee County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Standard copy fees apply per Mississippi law.

Clerk of Court:

Lee County Circuit Court Clerk
200 Jefferson Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 841-9100
Mississippi First Circuit Court

The circuit court clerk's office maintains criminal case files available for public inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 510 N. Commerce Street, Tupelo, MS 38804. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume.

By Phone:

The Lee County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (662) 841-9040. Staff may provide limited information by phone, including general custody status. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Complex requests may require an in-person visit or written submission.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request detailed arrest records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Tupelo PD, or other municipal agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Lee County

Arrest records in Lee County are public records under Mississippi law. Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq., all records created or maintained by public bodies are presumed open to inspection by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.

As the Mississippi Supreme Court has recognized, "the public has a right to know what its government is doing," a principle that extends to law enforcement activities including arrests and bookings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Mississippi law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Records sealed by court order are not available for routine public inspection
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt
Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain offense categories
Witness protection participant information is not publicly disclosed

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The public's right to access arrest records is grounded in both the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Mississippi's constitutional commitment to open government. Courts have consistently held that press and public access to arrest information serves the democratic function of government accountability. At the same time, privacy interests and due process considerations require that access be balanced against the potential harm of disclosing information about individuals who have not been convicted of any offense.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. Arrests that did not result in conviction carry less legal weight than convictions and should not be treated as evidence of guilt.

What's in Lee County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Tupelo Police Department, or other jurisdiction)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Mississippi statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony or misdemeanor)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time if applicable
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or Justice Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available in booking records
Court records: Reflect legal proceedings initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Document convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Lee County?

Under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, public bodies in Mississippi may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproducing public records. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges applicable to arrest record requests in Lee County.

Record Type	Standard Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 per page
Certification of records	$1.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by agency
Search fee	No statutory search fee required
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection only

Accepted payment methods at the Lee County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in the public interest, such as by nonprofit organizations or journalists. Requesters seeking a fee waiver should submit a written explanation with their records request.

Online access to the jail roster through the Lee County Sheriff's Office inmate search tool is available at no charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lee County

Under Mississippi law, arrest records may be subject to expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restriction of public access), and the distinction between these remedies is significant. Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public databases, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement agencies to retain and access the record. Mississippi law primarily uses the term "expungement" to describe the process by which qualifying arrest records are removed from public view.

Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, individuals may petition for expungement of certain arrest records under the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
Charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
The individual successfully completed a first-offender program
The offense qualifies as an expungeable misdemeanor or, in limited cases, a felony

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Lee County:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case number from the Lee County Circuit Court Clerk.
Confirm eligibility based on the nature of the offense and the disposition of the case.
File a Petition for Expungement in the Lee County Circuit Court. Forms may be obtained from the clerk's office.
Pay the applicable filing fee, which varies based on the offense classification.
Serve the petition on the district attorney's office and any relevant law enforcement agencies.
Attend the scheduled hearing if the court requires one.
If the court grants the petition, provide certified copies of the expungement order to all agencies holding the record, including the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the arresting agency.

Lee County Circuit Court Clerk
200 Jefferson Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 841-9100
Mississippi First Circuit Court

Lee County District Attorney's Office (Fifth Circuit District)
200 Jefferson Street, Suite 300
Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 841-9060

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Mississippi attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process. The Mississippi Bar Association's lawyer referral service may assist in identifying qualified counsel.

What Happens After Arrest in Lee County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Lee County, the arrested individual is transported to the Lee County Jail, located at 510 N. Commerce Street, Tupelo, MS 38804, which is operated by the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance, the court:

Formally notifies the defendant of the charges
Determines eligibility for appointed counsel if the defendant is indigent
Sets bond or bail
Advises the defendant of constitutional rights

Initial appearances in Lee County may be conducted in person or via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount paid in cash to the jail or court
Refunded at case conclusion minus applicable fees
Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
Defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
Bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Defendant released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

Defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed at release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court's pretrial services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours after bond payment
Personal property is returned
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant

If Bond Not Posted:

Defendant remains in custody pending trial or case resolution
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation covers commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants in Lee County are represented by the Mississippi Office of State Public Defender or appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on financial circumstances at the initial appearance.

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 604
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-4290
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Mississippi Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service accessible through its official website at msbar.org. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Lee County Jail during designated visitation hours, and all attorney-client consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Lee County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review may occur within days to several weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges by information or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence.

Grand Jury (Felonies):

Felony charges in Mississippi may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel. A finding of probable cause results in an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea. The court sets subsequent hearing and trial dates at arraignment.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, or mental health court; successful completion results in dismissal
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a negotiated plea to agreed charges with a recommended sentence
Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Defendants retain the right to appeal a conviction.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Typical Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial/resolution	Months (varies widely)
Misdemeanor cases	Weeks to several months
Felony cases	Several months to over one year

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Lee County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
510 N. Commerce Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 841-9040
Lee County Sheriff's Office

Lee County Circuit Court Clerk
200 Jefferson Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 841-9100
Mississippi First Circuit Court

Lee County District Attorney's Office
200 Jefferson Street, Suite 300
Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 841-9060

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 604
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-4290
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lee County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Lee County is governed by Mississippi law and the records retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Under current law, public records must be retained in accordance with approved schedules, and unauthorized destruction of public records is prohibited.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, and the Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC)
Entered into the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III)
Maintained indefinitely in state and federal databases

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for a minimum of five years depending on the offense and agency
Court records for misdemeanor convictions are maintained by the Justice Court Clerk
State repository retains records consistent with MCIC policy

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of three to five years
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
State repository retains records unless updated following expungement

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of three years
Court records are often retained permanently
Records may be eligible for expungement under Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum of two to three years
May be eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Minimum five years
Photographs: Retained consistent with booking record schedule
Evidence: Retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification

Digital Records:

Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
Court electronic records: Often permanent

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact such websites directly to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Lee County Sheriff's Office
510 N. Commerce Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 841-9040
Lee County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of five years. Investigative files are retained based on offense classification, with serious felony files retained permanently.

Lee County Circuit Court Clerk
200 Jefferson Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 841-9100
Mississippi First Circuit Court

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of five years. Electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis.

State Repository:

The Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC), a division of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, maintains statewide criminal history records including arrest data from all jurisdictions. Records are retained consistent with state and federal requirements and are accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 987-1212
Mississippi Department of Public Safety

FBI Database:

The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain arrest records on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and licensing. Federal retention policies are not subject to state expungement orders, though the FBI may update records to reflect expungement upon notification from the state repository.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Local Retention	State Repository	Background Check Visibility
Felony conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Indefinite
Misdemeanor conviction	5+ years or permanent	Permanent	Varies by state law
Dismissed charges	3–5 years	Until expunged	May appear unless expunged
Acquittal	3+ years	Until expunged	May appear unless expunged
No charges filed	2–3 years	Until expunged	May appear unless expunged

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting window for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose additional state-level restrictions on the reporting period for convictions. Arrests that did not result in conviction are treated differently from convictions and, in many jurisdictions, may not be considered in employment decisions.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Lee County Sheriff's Records Division at (662) 841-9040 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved in response to such requests.

Lookup Arrest Records in Lee County

Lee County Jail inmate search — Lee County Sheriff's Office, Tupelo, MS
Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search — statewide offender lookup by name or ID number
Mississippi First Circuit Court case records — criminal court filings for Lee County and surrounding counties